OK Let's give this a shot
OK Let's give this a shot
Was reading up on video cams last week when I found this thread so here's a little review of the one I ordered. I purchased the GoPro HD Hero Helmet Cam and it arrived Thursday. Pricey little gem but it appears to be everything they advertise it to be. Comes with several different mounts including the helmet mount and a water proof case to 180'. They don't supply an SD card so I had to pop 50 bucks for a 32ghz card at Wally World. It has it's own built in driver for Windows and super easy file transfer to the computer. You can also use Windows Movie Maker to automatically convert the MP4 files and burn them to DVD. Also has two sets of video/audio cables so you can connect the camera directly to your TV and watch your videos in HD or regular video. It will also send live video from the camera to the TV. It's a really well constructed, durable little camera with several different programable features in both video and still camera modes. Haven't used it on the trike yet but have the mount attached to my helmet and ready to go!!
The only thing I don't like about it is there is no built in LCD monitor; however, there is an LCD BacPac monitor that attaches to the camera that must be purchased as an option. Just finished ordering it.
I recently have been reading up on POV (point of view) action video cameras and have, after weighing all the pros and cons, decided on the Drift HD170 Stealth, by Drift Innovations. What sold me on the Drift was that it has an LCD screen built right into the body of the camera, it has a remote control to turn on and off the camera thus having the ability of just taking the frames on scenes of your choice and not use up precious space on your flash media card. It has the ability of taking slow motion pictures, which is another unique feature of the camera as well as a jack for a remote mike to improve its sound quality, especially when its mounted to your trike while traveling at hwy speeds. As those who owe a video camera know, wind noise can be a problem which can deteriorate the quality of ones video. What also sold me on the Drift was its price <$180.00 at Crutchfield, who threw in an 8GB SD card, a extra longer life battery and a camera case, to sweeten the deal. Here's a link to Crutchfield drift innovation at Crutchfield.com. where you can read up on the Drift. I think you'll be as impressed as I was when comparing it to the GoPro, Contour, Epic and others. Happy videoing...!
Daydreamer
bump!
Daydreamer
Wish I had seen that before I bought the GoPro. Could have saved a bunch of bucks!! The GoPro is a great little camera but has a lot of features I will seldom or never use. Also isn't worth crap in low light. Don't think I'll be 180 feet under water either. What REALLY bugs me is they came out with the Hero2, right after I bought mine, that is a 12 megapixel unit for the same price!! Oh well....hindsight is 20/20!!
All my videos were taken with a $39.00 Camera from CVS . Not waterproof but I don't plan on taking video in the rain. I have to stop to put on rain gear and remove my GPS anyway .Uses a $4.00 2 gig card and takes 1hr of video. Runs on 2 aa batteries .( I now use rechargeable ones ) has a LCD screen . Camera was $29.00. If I falls off the bike and brakes I may go back and get the SD card and stop at CVS for a new one . True it does not take the clear HD video yours does and I am very impressed with what you guys do take . I would love the remote as I do get a lot of junk video I have to edit out . In case you never saw any taken with it .
Just an alternative for low bucks
Motorcycle Trike from driver seat - YouTube
I use a Drift HD and having lots of fun with it. Here is my first video from last August. Not in HD mode on this one.
Motorcycle Ride in Shenandoah - YouTube
Hope this link works.
Where is it mounted and How ? What are the 2 chrome things in the foreground ?
This thread is starting to become very interesting and informative as more people add their comments, share their video clips and ask questions. I, for one, am just getting started, with the purchase of my first point of view (pov) action camcorder, a couple of weeks ago. As mentioned in an earlier post on this thread, I chose the Drift HD170 Stealth by Drift Innovations. I'll give Crutchfield another free plug as they were selling the Drift for the lowest price + throwing in on the deal: an extra longer life battery, an 8GB SDHC flash memory card and a camera case + free shipping. They also seem genuinely interested in giving their customers top notched service and tips to improve on the quality of one's video recordings and to make them more interesting and exciting. 12 Tips for Shooting Better Video with Your Camcorder I look forward to reading more about others experiences, from the camera they chose and why, where on their trikes and motorcycles they mount them, the video editing software they use and why... etc. etc. etc. Happy videoing...
Daydreamer
John, for this first video I mounted my HD170 to the handlebars, just peaking around my windshield. I am using a RAM ball mount that has a standard camera screw base feature. Very adjustable wherever I have mounted it since this first video. Biggest issue I have had is the sound. Getting up around 50 mph or so the wind noise gets pretty distracting on the recorded video. The mic input is a small pin hole opening that I cover up with tissue and tape - a makeshift muffler. Of course if I use clips to make a little video like this I can use music so you cant tell. I use Cyberlink Power Director to play with the video I shoot.
BTW, the two chrome thingies are my headlights. I mount the camera a little higher now just for that reason, so they don't show up. Still learning things about the camera and the many ways to use it. That small screen on the 170 is a challenge but I use it mainly for ensuring I am pointed with the correct orientation.
Doc, I like the idea of the headlight mount. I have a Countour 1080p HD helmet cam, but it can be mounted other places. I first put it on my fairing, but too much movement. I wear it on my helmet, but have lots of times that I need to look at oncoming traffic and so on. My cam takes some awesome pics, but I do like the Drift, if I were buying again (I think). It's a toss up. Make a vid while riding the trike and lets see what kind of movement you encounter.
Check out my accessory bar think this might be your answer
Loved the Shenandoah Valley ride - used to be from Waynesboro, and miss this part of the country a whole bunch!! Excellent video!!
Sams club has a Nikon cool Pics camera on sale for 70.00 and can get 2 8Gb SD cards for 29.00. Camera is 14 megapixel and /or 750 HD Video. Has the 1/4 inch mount on it to mount to a tripod or other mount. It has a special button on the back to press for video so it is not hard to start. I got one yesterday so Sandra can take some pics and video. Good looking camera.
2009 Honda Gold Wing Motor Trike Adventure Kit
To edit your video you might try Movie Maker, its part of Windows Live download from Microsoft. You dont have to install all of Windows Live to get it, you can select the components you want to install. I installed Live Mail, Movie Maker, and Photo Gallery. I don't care for Live Messenger and all that other crap, its free from Microsoft.
2009 Honda Gold Wing Motor Trike Adventure Kit
Burbvarmit, Thanks so much for sharing the video and sound. To quote Will Smith from Indepedance Day " I gotta get me one of these". Good Job
Take care.
Wow that Shenadoah ride has some straight roads , no hills , no twisties .
this is from my 60 dollar camera cloud and cold
https://youtu.be/qywoBT1alcU
1998 Harley FatBoy
2006 GL1800 Lehman trike Kit
2 dogs and a wife